McGuireWoods Consulting’s Atlanta Team Recognized as Top Lobbyists, Rising Star in Georgia

January 4, 2024

McGuireWoods Consulting senior vice president and director Michael Shelnutt, and vice presidents Danica Thompson and Stuart Wilkinson were recognized as top lobbyists in the JAMES Magazine’s 2023 “Top Lobbyist” issue, and assistant vice president Falak Sabbak was named a rising star. Shelnutt, Thompson, Wilkinson and Sabbak are part of McGuireWoods Consulting’s Georgia government affairs team.

Shelnutt leads the firm’s Georgia team and assists clients in the insurance, IT, transportation, procurement, and education sectors. He formerly served as a deputy assistant commissioner for the Georgia Department of Insurance. 

Thompson is a former executive director of the largest black caucus in the nation, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. She works in the areas of education, healthcare, diagnostic laboratories, procurement, and transportation. As a member of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Corporate Roundtable, she chairs the Sports, Gaming and Entertainment Committee. Danica holds strong relationships with Georgia school systems and state and local governments. She is affiliated with many social, non-profit, and civic organizations and has a strong passion for working with women and children.

Wilkinson has extensive experience with the executive and legislative branches in Georgia, and previously served as a top advisor to Gov. Brian Kemp, who was recently named vice chair of the Republican Governors Association. Wilkinson provides governmental affairs advice and representation to Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, and higher education institutions.

Sabbak has a decade of experience at the Georgia General Assembly and served as the executive director of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus before joining McGuireWoods Consulting. She serves clients in the healthcare, insurance, IT, transportation, and real estate sectors.